Conference Schedule

Check back regularly for SHALE INSIGHT™ 2018 program developments. Schedule is subject to change.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2018

8:00 am – 8:00 pm

Registration Open Sponsored by IUOE Local 66

3:30 pm – 5:30 pm

Pre-Conference Workshops

Canada, Pipelines and North American Energy Security Presented by Canadian Consulate General-New York

Pre-conference attendees will be provided a unique opportunity to engage and learn directly from officials and peers working in Canada. This workshop session will shine a spotlight on the heavily integrated U.S.-Canada oil and gas energy sector and will be led by a panel of government and industry leaders from both countries. The discussion will focus on Alberta and the oil sands region; current challenges and opportunities associated with new pipelines to and from Alberta and the U.S., and if and how changes in the U.S.-Canada trading relationship (i.e., NAFTA, tariffs, etc.) could have an impact. At the session’s conclusion, program participants and attendees will have an opportunity for an informal meet-and-greet to exchange information.

Energy Transactions in the Marcellus and Utica Shales: Where Have We Been? Where Are We Going? Sponsored by Steptoe & Johnson PLLC

The evolution of the Marcellus and Utica shales has occurred in several phases. Industry insiders in the energy, business and legal worlds will discuss strategies necessary for the completion of successful energy transactions in today’s market as well as what future opportunities and challenges they see for the region. This interactive workshop will allow participants the opportunity to apply the strategies discussed to real-world situations.

State and federal agencies have recently implemented changes in regulations on the natural gas industry for reducing methane emissions. This workshop will include a discussion of the changes; how the industry will navigate the new regulations and permits, such as the Pennsylvania GP-5/5A permit, and how to implement new Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) technologies to monitor and report compliance.

As part of the SHALE INSIGHT™ Conference, the Marcellus Shale Coalition’s (MSC) Research Collaborative will host the annual Technology Showcase which provides suppliers of emerging technologies an opportunity to introduce their innovations to the natural gas producer, midstream/pipeline, downstream and service community.

Click here to learn more about the Technology Showcase and this year’s presenters and topics.

6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Welcome Reception Sponsored by Seneca Resources Company, LLC, Builders Guild of Western Pennsylvania, Steamfitters Local #449, Mechanical Contractors Association of Western Pennsylvania, and The Association of Union Constructors

Join SHALE INSIGHT™ 2018 Conference attendees at Howl at the Moon for a high-energy live music show centered around timeless hits and current jams. Network with colleagues while enjoying a cocktail and hors d’oeuvres.
For security purposes, Conference attendees will be REQUIRED to check-in at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center to obtain their official SHALE INSIGHT™ badge prior to entry at Howl at the Moon.

The New EPA: Fostering Responsible Environmental Protection with American BusinessSponsored by MPLX/MarkWest

In July 2018, Andrew Wheeler was appointed by U.S. President Donald Trump as the successor to former EPA Administrator, Scott Pruitt. With a background in both government and the coal industry, Mr. Wheeler has a deep understanding of the importance of balancing regulations designed to protect the environment with the need for economic stability. The opening keynote address will provide attendees the opportunity to hear directly from the federal government’s lead environmental enforcer. Acting Administrator Wheeler will discuss his effort to bring clarity and predictability to EPA policy actions and share his plans to foster economic development while streamlining the regulatory process.

The Utica shale is enormous—and we’ve only just scratched the surface. The full potential of this resource is being rewritten year after year as technological advances and operational innovations unveil even more of what this play has to offer. Gain expert insight and hear directly from one of the world’s leading and largest energy companies—ExxonMobil subsidiary XTO Energy. Learn how in just a few short years, the Utica shale has transformed from a regional prize to a national resource to a global opportunity.

IntroductionKaren Matusic, Manager of Public and Government Affairs,
XTO Energy, an ExxonMobil Subsidiary

KeynoteAndreè Griffin, Vice President of Geology and Geophysics,
XTO Energy, an ExxonMobil Subsidiary

With the prolific natural gas resources available in the Appalachian Basin, more natural gas-fired electric generation plants are being proposed and built in the region. This presentation will explore the opportunities for the upstream gas industry, independent electric generators and consumers who utilize this abundant and affordable resource, and demonstrate how state and federal policies are affecting these opportunities and what needs to be done to keep this low-cost and reliable energy available to all Americans.

PanelDean Ellis, Executive Vice President of Government & Regulatory Affairs and Communications,
DynegyJoe Lloyd, Vice President of Operations,
Panda Power FundsJohn Shelk, President and Chief Executive Officer,
Electric Power Supply Association

10:45 am – 11:45 am

Networking Break in Exhibit Hall

Producer | Pipeline Showcase
Located in the Exhibit Hall, the Producer-Pipeline Showcase will feature for the first time scheduled natural gas producer and pipeline company representatives in a designated booth area to meet and greet attendees. Set in two lounge areas on the exhibit floor, representatives will have company information and marketing materials available and offer an inside look at some of the major players in the Marcellus and Utica shale plays. Participating companies include Ascent Resources, Antero Resources, Chevron, MarkWest Energy Partners/MPLX Energy Logistics, Range Resources Corporation, Seneca Resources and XTO Energy, an ExxonMobil subsidiary. To enhance attendee ROI, take advantage of this unique opportunity to connect and informally meet with potential business partners – an opportunity otherwise not available outside of a formal business setting.

University Research Showcase
New to SHALE INSIGHT™, the University Research Showcase will feature the regional universities and colleges whose students will showcase groundbreaking studies, projects and research surrounding the natural gas industry. Over the past ten years, in collaboration with higher education, the industry has evolved utilizing new innovations and technologies. The Showcase will be a destination for students, faculty and professionals to discuss cutting edge advancements and the future of the natural gas industry.

11:45 am – 1:45 pm

Luncheon Sponsored by Washington County Chamber of Commerce

Jeff Kotula, President,
Washington County Chamber of Commerce

Hello from Ohio

Matthew Hammond, Executive Vice President,
Ohio Oil & Gas Association

William Ruud, Ph.D. President,
Marietta College

Getting Gas to Market: Current Economics, Opportunities and Infrastructure

This CEO fireside chat will share a regional, national and global perspective on the importance of getting U.S. gas to market and will address the current state of the industry from a financial perspective. The presenter will highlight the industry economics realized from the Appalachian Basin thus far and the potential business opportunities that will drive company growth and return on investment from both the Marcellus and Utica shale plays. Additionally, the discussion will address key infrastructure and pipeline deficiencies; the necessary capacity additions to unlock vast reserves and curb deep discounts, and the need for interstate pipeline take-away capacity to reach existing and new markets to grow end-use.

Pipelines remain the key to unlocking the enormous potential and success of the Marcellus and Utica plays. In this presentation, senior pipeline executives representing some of the region’s premier midstream companies will discuss the buildout of pipelines, challenges, opportunities and lessons learned. The panel will highlight what has changed with the new U.S. presidential administration; more than $13 billion dollars of approved or on-the-docket construction projects; ongoing federal deregulation and the hurdles of onerous state regulations, and sensationalized public media protests. Pipeline projects to be reviewed may include the Keystone XL, Dakota Access, Atlantic Coast, Atlantic Sunrise, Mountain Valley, Mariner I & II and PennEast, with an eye on prescribed ways to work with government and each other in concert to positively solidify the regions of Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia as the epicenter of the American shale industry.

Producer | Pipeline Showcase
Located in the Exhibit Hall, the Producer-Pipeline Showcase will feature for the first time scheduled natural gas producer and pipeline company representatives in a designated booth area to meet and greet attendees. Set in two lounge areas on the exhibit floor, representatives will have company information and marketing materials available and offer an inside look at some of the major players in the Marcellus and Utica shale plays. Participating companies include Ascent Resources, Antero Resources, Chevron, MarkWest Energy Partners/MPLX Energy Logistics, Range Resources Corporation, Seneca Resources and XTO Energy, an ExxonMobil subsidiary. To enhance attendee ROI, take advantage of this unique opportunity to connect and informally meet with potential business partners – an opportunity otherwise not available outside of a formal business setting.

New to SHALE INSIGHT™, the University Research Showcase will feature the regional universities and colleges whose students will showcase groundbreaking studies, projects and research surrounding the natural gas industry. Over the past ten years, in collaboration with higher education, the industry has evolved utilizing new innovations and technologies. The Showcase will be a destination for students, faculty and professionals to discuss cutting edge advancements and the future of the natural gas industry.

3:00 pm – 4:15 pm

Emerging Topics in Oil and Gas Litigation: How Underground Trespass, Royalties and Other Issues Impact the Growth of Shale PlaysSponsored by K&L Gates LLP

In-house counsel will join K&L Gates oil and gas litigators for a panel discussion covering hot topics in oil and gas litigation including underground trespass, royalty actions and other issues that are impacting growth in the industry. This CLE-eligible session will offer insights as in-house and outside counsel together navigate the ongoing challenges of responding to and addressing complex litigation and disputes.

Is Natural Gas Development Affecting Public Health? Sponsored by Babst Calland

Claims of alleged health effects from unconventional natural gas development continue to be published in journals and amplified by the media with increasing frequency, resulting in public concerns about the safety of the industry’s operations. Health and industry experts will review the bases for these claims and offer evidence showing that shale gas operations are safe.

Landslide Impacts in and out of the Field Sponsored by Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc.

It’s no surprise that landslides have major impacts on projects, but the details we hear about only scratch the surface when it comes to the bigger picture of overall impacts to the industry. The immediate hustle to remediate physical issues often overshadows the far-reaching tangible and intangible impacts that landslides have on the business side of oil and gas development—for example, delays in flowing gas leading to breach of contract; the inability to deliver gas resulting in penalties, or consent orders and fines deteriorating public perception. In this session, you’ll learn from leaders in all stages of the development life-cycle including production, gathering, processing and transmission, who will share specifics on how a landslide can impact a business, and provide insights on how you can prepare for such impacts along the entire chain.

The State of Water and Waste Technologies for Management, Treatment and Disposal Sponsored by Fluid Recovery Services

Economic drivers and stringent regulations on the natural gas industry have created new water and waste management technologies, including treatment for reuse, on-site treatment, and offsite disposal. Industry experts will review new treatment technologies and strategies in the field and how they are changing the way that the industry handles, reuses and disposes of water and waste.

Cybersecurity: How will Operational Cyber Threats and Attacks Impact You?

Today’s new age of connectivity has created a global community, unprecedented efficiencies and technology-driven wealth; but it also means that on-line communications, equipment and systems are now exposed to ever-increasing cybersecurity threats and attacks—possibly to the point of mass interference or perpetual cyberwarfare. Though connecting mobile devices, laptops, IT networks, industrial controls and SCADA real-time systems gives access to improved and new informational tools and ways to operate remotely, this new degree of connectivity means that on-line systems and communications are now even more at risk. Additionally, case studies have shown that what appears to be local may really be manipulated worldwide through cyber interference and a lack of awareness by the private sector or government intelligence. This panel of acclaimed experts will share strategies on how to continue to capitalize on integrated systems while at the same time securing against increasing cyber threats, including the targeted disruption of the U.S. oil and gas value chain, as noted in recent investigative press reports, by “following the money”.

Ambient Air Monitoring for Shale Gas Operations: What You Need to Know and How to Manage Risks Sponsored by Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott LLC

While the existing body of air quality monitoring data and scientific evidence does not provide evidence of any new or unique air pollutant exposures associated with shale gas operation activities, communities still remain concerned about air emissions from these operations (especially emissions of potential air toxics) and have begun to demand “fence line” air monitoring. This session will discuss all you need to know about fence line air monitoring, including federal regulations, industry case studies, air monitoring technologies, data interpretation and managing associated risks.

Healthcare is a 24/7 energy-intensive industry designed to improve lives and enhance communities. With Geisinger’s Combined Heat and Power (CHP) project yielding substantial cost-savings dividends, this case study serves both as a model for the healthcare industry and presents a major economic development incentive. This panel will explore the intersection between the economics of CHP for large-scale energy users and the positive human health outcomes that result from natural gas-related environmental improvements.

Project planning and partnerships are critical for the success of any project for all stakeholders. The Appalachian Basin has a long history of cultural resources that are part of its history. Learn from industry, cultural and tribal experts as they discuss examples of successful coordination for major oil and gas projects in the basin.

Natural Gas Development on the Bureau of Land Management’s Public LandsSponsored by Eclipse Resources Corporation

Increased interest in certain minerals requires working with agencies at the federal level, which means that the importance of having a good working relationship with regulators is more important than ever. This panel discussion includes members of the industry and regulators, who will discuss leasing, permitting and production on, under and around federal lands.

Producer | Pipeline Showcase
Located in the Exhibit Hall, the Producer-Pipeline Showcase will feature for the first time scheduled natural gas producer and pipeline company representatives in a designated booth area to meet and greet attendees. Set in two lounge areas on the exhibit floor, representatives will have company information and marketing materials available and offer an inside look at some of the major players in the Marcellus and Utica shale plays. Participating companies include Ascent Resources, Antero Resources, Chevron, MarkWest Energy Partners/MPLX Energy Logistics, Range Resources Corporation, Seneca Resources and XTO Energy, an ExxonMobil subsidiary. To enhance attendee ROI, take advantage of this unique opportunity to connect and informally meet with potential business partners – an opportunity otherwise not available outside of a formal business setting.

New to SHALE INSIGHT™, the University Research Showcase will feature the regional universities and colleges whose students will showcase groundbreaking studies, projects and research surrounding the natural gas industry. Over the past ten years, in collaboration with higher education, the industry has evolved utilizing new innovations and technologies. The Showcase will be a destination for students, faculty and professionals to discuss cutting edge advancements and the future of the natural gas industry.

State and federal agencies have recently implemented changes in regulations on the natural gas industry for reducing methane emissions. The industry is considering and implementing applicable regulatory requirements and, in an effort to minimize releases of a valuable commodity, are voluntarily establishing aggressive emission targets and striving to reduce emissions. This workshop will provide the current regulatory perspective, both federal and state, on regulatory actions taken and being considered. It will also look at the challenges from the regulated communities’ perspective of implementing and complying with the requirements and the effort to control and reduce the emission of a marketable product. This workshop will also provide insight on the challenges faced in developing and documenting high-quality data to support compliance demonstrations and tracking progress toward zero emission objectives.

The SHALE INSIGHT 2018 conference closing keynote will address how the United States’ growing energy independence, driven by the American shale energy revolution with the states of Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia at its epicenter, has dramatically strengthened our nation’s geopolitical and global trade position. This unique and dynamic keynote address by Admiral Michael Rogers, who retired in June 2018 after respectfully serving under both President Trump and President Obama’s administrations, will share his view on shale energy as a strategic game changer in the formula for U.S. global leadership and stability. Reflecting on the surge in American shale development to boost U.S. energy resources in combination with best-in-class national security and now highest priority elevated cyber command, the United States’ has leveraged these three core strengths to create tougher sanctions against rogue nations, fight a renewed winning battle against terrorism and cyberwarfare, and is working to balance the playing field on global business trade transactions. This expert and inside perspective will touch upon how this strategic formula will allow the U.S. to play an even bigger role in the global oil and gas ecosystem and prevent foreign oil producing countries and cartels from doing business as usual and enemy nations disrupting global peace.

IntroductionDavid J. Spigelmyer, President,
Marcellus Shale Coalition

KeynoteAdmiral Michael Rogers, Recently Retired Director and Commander,
U.S. National Security Agency and U.S. Cyber Command